Caring for a colicky baby can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining for parents. The persistent, unexplained crying can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, and exhausted. But take heart—colic is a common phase that many infants go through, and it’s not your fault.
Understanding what colic is and learning effective soothing strategies can make this period more manageable for both you and your baby. This blog post is here to help you do just that. We’ll walk you through what colic is, why it happens, how to tell it apart from other conditions, and most importantly, what you can do to soothe your baby and care for yourself in the process.
You’ll discover simple, proven techniques like the “5 S’s” from Dr. Harvey Karp, practical feeding tips, and ways to adjust your baby’s environment to reduce discomfort. And just as important, we’ll talk about your well-being.
Because caring for a colicky infant isn’t just about getting through the crying—it’s about surviving those long nights and heavy days with your peace of mind intact. So let’s get started. Because even though colic is tough, you’re tougher—and with the right knowledge and support, you can guide your baby (and yourself) through this challenging season and into calmer, brighter days ahead.
What is Colic? (The “Rule of Threes”)
Colic is typically defined by the “Rule of Threes”
- Crying for more than 3 hours a day
- At least 3 days a week
- For at least 3 weeks
This crying is often intense, occurs at the same time each day (commonly in the evening), and is difficult to soothe. Despite the distressing episodes, colicky babies are generally healthy, feed well, and gain weight appropriately.
What Causes Colic? (The Mystery)
The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- Immature Digestive System: An underdeveloped digestive tract can lead to gas and discomfort.
- Food Sensitivities: Some infants may react to certain foods in the mother’s diet (if breastfeeding) or ingredients in formula.
- Overstimulation: Too much noise, light, or activity can overwhelm a baby.
- Infant Migraines: Some researchers suggest a link between colic and early-life migraines.
- Temperament: Babies have different temperaments; some may be more sensitive to their environment.
Importantly, colic is not caused by poor parenting. It’s a common developmental phase that many infants experience.
Ruling Out Other Issues
Before concluding that your baby has colic, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out other medical conditions that can cause excessive crying, such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Milk Protein Allergy
- Ear Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Hernias
A thorough examination will help ensure that there are no underlying health concerns.
Soothing Strategies for a Colicky Infant
The “5 S’s” by Dr. Harvey Karp
Dr. Harvey Karp developed the “5 S’s” technique to help soothe colicky babies by mimicking the womb environment:
- Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket to provide a sense of security.
- Side or Stomach Position: Hold your baby on their side or stomach while awake and supervised.
- Shushing: Make a loud, continuous “shh” sound near your baby’s ear.
- Swinging: Gently rock or sway your baby to replicate the motion they felt in the womb.
- Sucking: Offer a pacifier or allow your baby to suck on a clean finger.
These techniques can activate a baby’s calming reflex and reduce crying.
Additional Soothing Methods
- Movement: Take your baby for a walk in a stroller or a car ride.
- Sound: Use white noise machines, fans, or recordings of soothing sounds.\
- Temperature: A warm bath or a warm compress on the baby’s belly can provide comfort (ensure it’s not too hot).
Feeding Adjustments
- Proper Latch: Ensure your baby is latching correctly during breastfeeding to minimize air intake.
- Bottle Feeding: Use bottles designed to reduce gas and colic.
- Frequent Burping: Burp your baby during and after feedings to release trapped air.
- Dietary Changes: If breastfeeding, consider eliminating potential irritants like dairy or caffeine from your diet. Consult your pediatrician before making changes.
Probiotics
Some studies suggest that specific probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, may help reduce colic symptoms in breastfed infants. However, more research is needed, especially for formula-fed babies. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing probiotics.
Coping for Parents: Taking Care of Yourself Matters Too
Caring for a colicky baby can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. The non-stop crying, sleep deprivation, and constant worry can quickly wear you down. But here’s something every parent needs to hear: you matter, too. To stay strong and supportive for your baby, you need to care for your own mental and physical well-being. Here are some realistic, effective ways to help you cope during this tough time:
1. Take Breaks Without Guilt
When the crying feels like too much, it’s okay—more than okay—to step away for a few minutes. Place your baby safely in their crib, step into another room, take some deep breaths, splash cold water on your face, or listen to calming music. A short break can help you reset and return more composed.
2. Ask for Help (and Accept It)
Don’t try to do everything on your own. Lean on your partner, a family member, or a trusted friend. Even a short break to nap, eat a warm meal, or go for a walk can make a world of difference. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and wisdom.
3. Prioritize Self-Care (Even in Small Doses)
You don’t need a full spa day to practice self-care. A 10-minute walk outside, a cup of your favorite tea, or a few pages of a good book can help you recharge. Keep it simple, but make it consistent. Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.
4. Connect with Other Parents
You are not alone. Many other parents are going through the same thing. Consider joining a parenting support group—online or in person. Talking to others who understand what you’re facing can reduce isolation and give you practical tips that actually work.
Above all, hold on to hope. Colic is temporary. It usually peaks around 6 weeks and begins to improve by 3 to 4 months of age. It may feel endless now, but this season will pass. And when it does, you’ll come out stronger, more confident, and even more bonded with your baby— because you faced this challenge with courage and care.
When to Seek Help for Yourself
Caring for a colicky baby can push even the most patient and loving parents to their limits. The stress, lack of sleep, and emotional toll can build up quickly. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your own mental and emotional health during this time. Here are some signs that you may need extra support:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that don’t seem to go away
- Constant anxiety, nervousness, or panic attacks
- Feeling numb, disconnected, or overwhelmed most of the time
- Changes in appetite or sleep not related to your baby’s schedule
- Irritability, anger, or difficulty bonding with your baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby—even if they seem fleeting or out of character
These could be signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, which are common, real, and very treatable. You’re not weak for having these feelings. You’re not a bad parent. You’re human—and you deserve support.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out to your OB-GYN, pediatrician, a mental health provider, or even a trusted friend or family member. Help is available, and with the right support, you will feel better. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, getting the support you need is one of the strongest and most loving things you can do—for yourself and your baby.
Embrace Baby Colic, It’s Temporary!
Dealing with a colicky infant is one of the most emotionally and physically demanding challenges that new parents may face. The endless crying, the sleepless nights, and the constant worry can leave even the most prepared parents feeling defeated.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone, and you are not doing anything wrong. Until then, it’s about survival, support, and small victories. Understanding what colic is—and just as importantly, what it isn’t—can lift a heavy burden off your shoulders.
Knowing that your baby’s intense crying is not due to illness, poor bonding, or parenting failures is empowering. It allows you to focus on what you can control: how you respond, how you soothe, and how you care for yourself during this time.
We’ve walked through practical soothing strategies like Dr. Harvey Karp’s “5 S’s,” explored feeding tips, looked at the potential role of probiotics, and emphasized the importance of ruling out medical conditions. These tools can give you a sense of direction.
They may not be magic bullets, but they offer ways to bring comfort to your baby—and much-needed relief to you. But beyond managing your baby’s needs, we can’t stress enough the importance of managing your own. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to step away for a few minutes.
And it’s more than okay to talk about your feelings, your frustration, or your fear with someone who can help. Whether that’s a partner, a family member, a friend, or a mental health professional—you deserve support, too.
This journey through colic is temporary, but the love and bond you’re building with your baby will last a lifetime. You are doing hard work, but you are also doing important work. Every moment of holding, soothing, and comforting matters—even when it doesn’t feel like it’s helping in the moment.
Keep going. You’re stronger than you think. And if you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician, a parenting group, or resources like Omega Pediatrics—which offers a wealth of helpful, trusted information, including why feeding issues and gas can make babies fussy and how sleep routines can improve your baby’s behavior. Every tough night brings you one step closer to calmer days ahead. 💜
If you’re looking for more parenting tips or support during the newborn stage, check out resources like these on Omegapediatrics.com:
- How to Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Through the Night: 7 Proven Tips
- Newborn Baby is Gassy? 7 Simple Remedies to Relieve Gas Fast
You’ve got this, one day at a time.
